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SINGAPORE: Since the lifting of entry restrictions in four popular markets in Geylang Serai, Yishun, Jurong and Marsiling, there have been more visitors and queues are expected to increase, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Monday (14 of September).
All four markets (Geylang Serai Market, Chong Pang Market, Block 20/21 Marsiling Lane and Block 505 Jurong West Street 52) had established odd / even entry restrictions based on the last digit of the identity card numbers of the visitors.
After those restrictions were lifted on weekdays beginning Aug. 13, NEA said it observed that the average daily influx in the four markets increased between 18 and 40 percent.
“With the restriction also lifted for the weekends as of September 12, the average daily influx in these markets during the last weekend has increased in the same range or more, between 25 and 40 percent, in compared to the previous weekend, “NEA added.
At the Geylang Serai market, about 160 were in line during the morning rush hour last weekend, NEA said, adding that it took them around 30 minutes to enter the market.
“Moderate queues” remain in the 20/21 Marsiling Lane block, while “short queues” have returned to the Chong Pang market and 505 Jurong West Street 52 block market, the agency said.
“Overall, the weekend queue situation outside the markets remains manageable over the last weekend, although close monitoring would be needed as we expect queues to increase further over the coming weekends.” NEA added.
Capacity limits on the number of customers within markets are needed to ensure safe distancing, NEA said.
“While it is easier for customers to observe a safe distance of one meter from each other when queuing to enter these markets, it is more difficult for them to do so within the markets due to the dynamic crowd situation and market layout.” added. said.
“We seek to make the public and merchants understand that a calibrated approach is necessary to strike a balance between resuming market activity and safeguarding the safety and well-being of all customers and merchants in the markets.”
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